Spectacles - Contact Lens - Sight Tests - Hearing

Colin Lee Opticians is a family owned business, which
has been providing the highest quality of innovative eye
care to patients in the West Midlands and Staffordshire
for more than 35 years.

Our company has always
strived to be the best Opticians in the West Midlands
and Staffordshire by staying true to our beliefs in
offering a friendly, professional and caring service
whilst still giving patients excellent value for money.
Our emphasis on quality extends into every area of our
service, from eye testing, helping you choose the right
frame and spectacle lenses to suit your specific needs,
then fitting and making your spectacles in our own labs.
We won’t sacrifice quality and having our own lab where
we can make the spectacles ensures we can provide the
highest quality of products and after-care for our
patients.

If glasses aren’t for you or you just
want a change from wearing them all the time, our
specialist Contact Lens Opticians are at hand to help
you choose the right type of lens to suit your needs. At
Colin Lee Opticians we are very proud that many of our
staff have been with us for a number of years, thereby
offering our patients a unique continuity of service, as
well as a familiar and friendly face on each visit.

In recent years we have branched into new services
to offer our patients the latest in Ophthalmic
technology and eye care pathways;

We are very
proud to own the award winning Heidelberg, Spectralis
OCT (3D retinal scanner) where we can now do detailed 3D
scans of the back of your eye which can highlight
otherwise undetectable visual conditions such as Macular
Degeneration and Glaucoma.

All our practices are
equipped to take retinal photos for any patients
including those who need their annual diabetic check and
all practices have field screening machines which are
used to detect the early signs of glaucoma. We can
also offer specialist Dry eye, Orthoptic and minor eye
conditions assessments which are usually only available
through referral to hospital services or GP.

Spectacles

Lenses

Using the most advanced technology lenses can now be made thinner lighter and more comfortable to wear than ever before. In our own lab we are able to glaze lenses for you which are scratch resistant, reflection free, water resistant and most importantly UV absorbing. Research now shows UV light can lead to age related sight loss so absorbing it is more important than ever.

Always wanted to try a varifocal but worried you won’t get on with them? Don’t worry, modern varifocals when correctly dispensed by our professional staff are 98% successful. They also come with a 30 day trial period for your piece of mind. Varifocals arnt just for near and distance, if your issue is just looking from computer to desk we can supply you lifestyle or occupational lenses, making working so much easier.

As an independent opticians we are not tied down to one particular manufacturer of lenses so we can truly make a Tailor made prescription to suit your needs.

Frames

These days many people choose to wear spectacles as a fashion item, and with our huge choice of frames, including the latest designer names and bespoke engineering, we can help you find the frame which is just right for you.

We offer a full range of spectacles, with prices to suit all pockets – please see our promotions for full details. Also see your local branches page for branch specific events and offers.

Being independent, we can supply an extensive range, without being restricted to certain brands and designs. This means a greater selection for our patients. Whatever the design, style/colour or shape, you can find just what you need.

Our friendly and professional Dispensing Opticians and Optical Assistants are able to advise you on what styles and colours suit you best, and ensure the fit is perfect.

Whatever your budget we have a range to suit you; complete glasses and lenses starting from £38.95, 2 pairs from £79.95 (single vision) or free with NHS vouchers. Bifocals start at £65.95 and varifocals from £100 both including frame.

We have offers on second pairs (to help make buying multiple pairs a lot more affordable) to create a different look or simply a spare set for the car.

We stock specialist glasses for sports or safety in the workplace all which meet British Safety Standards.

Sunglasses

It is not just a good idea, but vital, to protect your eyes in bright sunlight. Ultraviolet rays can cause serious problems for your eyes, including cataracts, and lead to reduced vision in later life. We carry an extensive range of sunglasses, including prescription lenses, Polarised lenses, designer frames, and specialised sports pairs, suitable for different activities, such as sailing and cycling. You can even choose to have photochromic lenses (transitions) in your prescription, which are light sensitive, and will only darken outside, so they can be worn at all times.

Contact Lens

What We Offer

Todays contact lenses have been designed to suit all manner of different climates, lifestyles and vision needs. If you have never tried before, but fancy making a bid for freedom from your frames, get in touch today and find out which lenses would suit you best. You won’t regret it.

Have you been told you cant wear lenses? Think again. We supply lenses for all types of eyes including Astigmatism/Toric, Multifocal, High prescriptions, Keratoconus and Dry eyes.

Your Options

Daily disposables from only £1.00 per wear and monthly disposables from £6.50 per month. (super breathable £10.00 per month)

We have two really easy to follow systems of payment for our contact lenses, which are much the same as you’d use for your mobile phone. You can have a monthly contract, which you pay for by direct debit and have everything included, or on a pay as you go basis, whereby you decide what you need and when.

Contact Lense Advice

Eye Tests & Examinations

About Our Sight Tests

An eye examination takes at least 20 minutes and is free for
children, over-60s and people who are eligible to funding under
NHS. Our private sight test fee is £28.95.

You qualify for a free NHS-funded sight
test if:

• you're aged under 16• you're aged
16, 17 or 18 and are in full-time education• you're
aged 60 or over• you're registered as partially
sighted (sight impaired) or blind (severely sight
impaired)
• you've been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma•
you're 40 or over, and your mother, father, brother,
sister, son or daughter has been diagnosed with
glaucoma• you've been advised by an ophthalmologist
(eye doctor) that you're at risk of glaucoma•
you're a prisoner on leave from prison• you're
eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – your
optometrist (optician) can advise you about your
entitlement

You're also entitled to a free NHS
sight test if you:

• receive Income Support• receive
Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (not
Contribution-based)• receive Pension Credit
Guarantee Credit• receive Income-based Employment
and Support Allowance • are awarded Universal
Credit• are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS
tax credit exemption certificate• you are named on
a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs
(HC2)

People named on an NHS certificate for
partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help.

The health of your eyes is checked to ensure there is no disease present, and sometimes, these checks can mean a follow-up visit to assess changes. If you need spectacles, your current prescription and standard of vision are checked. Routine examinations are also vital as the health of your eyes can also help to indicate other health problems, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

We offer fundus photography, which records the condition of the back of the eye, and is an essential part of the examination of a person with diabetes. Any visual needs relating to your occupation are discussed, and any recommendations are passed to our dispensing optician, who can then advise you on the most suitable lenses and frames.

Age and Vision

Whatever age you are it is important to have regular eye checks to ensure your sight remains the same and to detect any health problems, but at certain ages your eyes are more prone to change, making regular eye examinations more essential than ever. This is why the NHS offers free sight tests to those over 60 and under 16.

Children

Children are constantly changing and growing, and their eyesight can change quickly too. Research has shown that up to one in five children have a problem with their eyesight which goes undetected, leading to difficulties with their learning, and enjoyment of everyday activities. Most importantly, a child’s visual system only develops until 7 years of age so if left undetected some conditions will be too late to treat. Our opticians can detect problems at an early age, there is no need for them to know their letters and any child’s sight should be checked at least once a year. Sight tests are free for all children under 16. We offer a fashionable range of frames with lightweight safety lenses free of charge with NHS vouchers with spare pairs from £15.00. Our practices stock a wide and attractive range of frames including designer names, character designs, specialist frames for the very young (and accident prone) and sports options.

40 Years Plus

Have you found yourself struggling to read with poorer lighting or having to hold thing further away to read? Many people over 40 will find they need reading glasses and almost everyone will need spectacles of some form by the age of 65, this is a normal process and sadly cant be avoided but, as we get older we are prone to more eye health problems such as glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration which can be avoided with the correct detection, we should therefore make sure we attend regular 1-2 year eye checks.

Hearing Tests

Hearing Test at Colin Lee

Hearing is vital, but one of our most neglected senses. It is estimated that
almost nine million adults in the UK have a hearing difficulty, yet more than a
third of them have sought no assistance - that's over three million people who
could be enjoying a better quality of life with improved hearing today.

Hearing loss happens gradually and it can take years to even realise and admit
to yourself that you have a problem. It's often those around you that notice
first, by remarking that the TV is very loud, or noticing you ask them to repeat
things. However, the effects of hearing loss will become increasingly difficult
to hide. Even in a simple conversation, certain sounds are unclear and words may
be misinterpreted.

Help is at hand. Colin Lee and Jenks Opticians are
associated with the UK's largest high street hearing care retailer and now
provides a service at all of our branches. For a free hearing health check
contact us today.

Big and bulky hearing aids are a thing of the past
with Invisible hearing aids from £495 a pair.

Other Services

Dry Eye Clinic

Do your eyes often feel dry or irritated? Do certain activities, like reading or
working on the computer, make your eyes feel scratchy? Are you wearing your
contact lenses less because they feel uncomfortable?

If you answer “yes” to
any of these questions, you may have what dry eye practitioners call dry eye
syndrome. It’s a common problem, but you don’t have to live with it.

So
what is dry eye? Dry eye means that you might not be making enough tears, that
the tears you produce are of poor quality or the tears you produce are
evaporating away faster than they should. The normal function of the tears
is to keep the eye wet and lubricated. Failure to do so can lead to the
following symptoms;

We run specialist dry
eye clinics at all of our branches. With the right advice and products we can
often help you to experience a big reduction in in your symptoms.You may
need a full eye examination prior to your dry eye assessment if it has been more
than 2 years since your last examination.

A three month tailored
treatment plan costs just £40.00 (free for contact lens wearers on our direct
debit) and includes; Initial triage and questionnaire, full dry eye assessment,
two follow up appointments after one and then three months aswell as help,
advice and ongoing support from our trained staff. The treatment and
products needed will vary depending on the type of dry eye you suffer from and
your optician will advise you on the best options.

If you would like to
book an appointment or have any questions, please don’t hesitate and contact
your local branch

NHS Diabetic Eye Screening

NHS Diabetic Eye Screening

Diabetes is a common
condition in the uk and retinopathy may be present in 90% of people who have had
the disease for 20 years or more. It is the most common cause of blindness in
the working population, but is amendable to treatment if initiated at the
appropriate stage.

Eye screening is a key part of your diabetes care. If you
have diabetes, your eyes are at risk of damage from diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when a persons diabetes affects the small blood
vessels at the back of the eye, if those blood vessels affected are in the
central area of the retina (macula) then its known as diabetic retinopathy.

Screening is a way of detecting the condition early before you notice any
changes to your vision. If detected early enough, treatment can stop it getting
worse. Otherwise, by the time symptoms become noticeable, it can be much more
difficult to treat.This is why the NHS Diabetic eye screening program was
introduced. Everyone aged 12 and over with diabetes is offered screening once a
year. The Check takes about half an hour and involves examining the back of the
eyes and taking photographs of the retina.

All of our practices are
registered with the NHS diabetic eye screening program. Any queries please
call your local practice or contact us through your local branches page.

Orthoptics

Colin Lee opticians are very proud to be able to offer the unique services
of an Orthoptist to all of their practices through Ben Marchant BSc(Hons). An
Orthoptist is an eye specialist in diagnosing and managing eye co-ordination
issues such as Amblyopia (lazy Eye), strabismus (squints) and diplopia (double
vision).

Orthoptic services are usually only available in a hospital and have
long waiting times for initial appointments following referrals and then
subsequent follow up appointments. Not anymore!

Squints in children under
7 don’t often present with symptoms, The eye will appear to point in a different
position. Sometimes it can just be a false appearance of this and there is no
need to worry, or in other cases if left undetected and untreated it can lead to
sight loss.

A lazy eye can, in many cases be reversed if detected and dealt
with before the age of 7. Double vision can be a serious sign requiring
emergency attention or it could be simply lazy/weakened muscles around the eye
which can be exercised, corrected with prisms or require surgery.

Following your routine eye exam we can now offer services to dramatically reduce
your waiting time from one off consultations to see if; a squint is indeed
present, if you’ve had a squint since childhood we can consult you if surgery is
possible, determine the cause of your symptoms and therefore if more urgent
attention.

Full management packages available for correcting intermittent
double vision through exercises, and patching treatment for lazy eyes.

Any questions or for more information please contact your local
branch.

Minor Eye Conditions

At Colin Lee opticians we are involved with local GP’s in an NHS shared care
service where we are now able to see patients with minor eye conditions (PEATS)
such as red or painful eyes without the need of paying for an eye test or the
need to visit your doctors or local hospital.

Conditions that can be seen
under the service include;

• Red Eye or eyelids•
Painful/Uncomfortable eyes• Irritation and inflammation of the eye•
Significant recent sticky discharge from the eye or watering• Recently
occurring flashes or floaters• In growing eyelashes• Recent and sudden
loss of vision• Foreign body in the eye

Opticians were previously
unable to see such conditions under the NHS and it was considered a private
examination and instead had to visit a local hospital or GP. Not anymore. If you
are registered with a local GP you can use this new service no matter what your
age (under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult).

To make an
appointment call your local branch. You will be asked some questions about your
symptoms in order to assess how quickly you need to be seen by the service,
which will be within 24 hours in urgent cases and a few days for routine
appointments.

Please Note this is not a full sight test.If you have
a major eye condition that is being monitored by your optometrist or hospital
eye service, this will not be covered by this service e.g. cataracts, glaucoma,
and diabetic retinopathy. If your condition is more serious you will be
referred either urgently or routinely to a hospital eye clinic.